Rohit Sharma slams ton as India remain on top on day two

India strengthened their grip on the first test of the series on day two in Nagpur on the back of a glorious century from their skipper Rohit Sharma. The opener became the first Indian captain to score a ton in all three formats, lacing a majestic 120 that set India up for a mammoth first innings lead. Todd Murphy starred on debut for the visitors with the ball, but Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel ensured that the hosts remained on top, adding a vital 81-run partnership to give the Men in a Blue a 144-run lead at stumps.

The hosts resumed the day on 77 for one, and Rohit Sharma picked up from where he left off from the previous evening. Sharma was in supreme control of his game on a tricky pitch and pulled Pat Cummins for six early in the day to stamp his authority. Sharma was given good company by the nightwatchman Ravichandran Ashwin, who added 23 before falling to Todd Murphy.

The off-spinner was the pick of the Australian bowlers throughout the day, impressing on debut as he skittled the experienced Indian middle order. Cheteshwar Pujara top-edged a sweep against Murphy into the hands of Boland and fine-leg, while Virat Kohli unfortunately edged a delivery sliding down leg against the off-spinner on the first ball after Lunch.

Nathan Lyon burst through the defences of another debutant Suryakumar Yadav to pick up his first wicket of the tour, leaving India in a tricky spot at 168 for five. However, Rohit Sharma brought up his ninth Test century against Todd Murphy to take India into the lead. The opener was given good company by Ravindra Jadeja, who carried on his superb run of form with the bat in whites after Sharma was castled by a beauty from Pat Cummins on 120.

Todd Murphy pinned KS Bharat on the pads to pick up his fifer, but Jadeja and Axar Patel weathered the storm against the new ball to ensure that India took a substantial lead. The two left-handers added half-centuries and punished a weary Australian bowling line-up to extend India’s lead into unchartered territory.

The pair scored some quick runs towards the end of the day, with Axar Patel playing some luxurious drives. Ravindra Jadeja was dropped by Steve Smith off the penultimate delivery of the day but the duo were largely untroubled as they grew India’s lead to 144 at stumps.